INTERVIEW WITH LAYLA AL NAIF
We meet with another one of our favourite ladies with a special story to tell; Layla Al Naif, who is a young inspirational yoga practitioner and a holistic health nutritionist. She lives between Dubai and London, she is half Iraqi and Half english. She launched her first Nutrition Guide in Spring 2017, called 99% Plant Diet, followed by a Nutrition Program in 2018. Career aside, Layla got married two years ago, and is due to give birth anytime now, which was the reason we crossed paths with her! Her best friend gifted her one of our customised bracelets with a special story, the initials of her new born-to-be. She then decided to gift her sister a similar one (who by the way was pregnant at the same time!) How special! We feel very grateful to be part of their precious occasions.
Here we are, having a quick talk with Layla, about health, nutrition and of course jewelry! Enjoy..
Tell us a bit about yourself? In a few sentences, who is Layla Al Naif?
This is the most difficult question to answer. Who I am today is definitely different than who I was before! But I’m someone who very much keeps to themselves. I love the time I spend on my own. I like to think that I’m not too high maintenance but I think my sister would disagree! My family is a priority. I keep a very small group of friends around me & they keep me sane.
What motivated you to start your journey with health, nutrition and yoga?
I went through a tough time a few years ago with my hormone health, this is what peaked my interest in the wellness industry. I wanted to learn as much as possible so I wouldn’t have to rely on others as much. It gives me so much
Can you share with us a typical day in your life? Any secret habits or routines you would like to tell us about?
I love having time to myself every morning. I don’t answer calls and rarely text. It’s like my day hasn’t started until I get this. It really makes me feel calm for the rest of the day. I’m not one for waking up and rushing out the door! I try to be as active as possible, that’s important to me. I’m a Virgo at heart and we love our routine, but every day with my husband is so different, he’s the spontaneous one. It’s the perfect balance!
Can you share with us three tips to kickstart a healthy lifestyle/ journey?
I think forgetting everything the diet industry has taught you is the first step, it has created chaos in peoples minds and the issue usually starts here from my experience. Getting to know your own body is important, what foods make you feel good? Bad? Tired? Energetic? This can take a lot of time but it’s the only way to figure your own body out. Intuitive eating is what everyone should strive for. Finally, being active, but for the right reasons. Don’t go to the gym to punish yourself for eating cookies the night before, go because you love your body and want to nurture it!
Let’s move to jewelery talk! What is the most precious pieces of jewelry you own? And why?
Every piece of jewelry I wear holds such sentimental value. Whenever I look at a piece, it takes me back to the exact moment in time I was when I got it and I find that so special. The pieces that I don’t take off (ever) are definitely the most special to me.
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Do you agree?
Oh, yes! Who doesn’t agree with that?
What have you chosen for your special HJ jewel? Can you tell us more about the story behind the piece?
I was gifted a HJ piece by my best friend for my birthday and it’s so special because it’s both my husbands initials & potentially our future child’s initials (we haven’t officially confirmed the name). I’m absolutely in love with it! I also created a HJ piece for my sister, who gave birth just recently, with her sons initials, it’s such a meaningful gift.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! Also congrats to your sister Yasmin, who just gave birth, how did it feel, both of you being pregnant at the same time?
Thank you! It’s quite surreal being pregnant at the same time, she’s 10 weeks ahead of me. We’re just so excited that our kids will be so close in age, something we always wanted!
Any words of wisdom to share?
Be kinder to people, you never know what someone is going through that day.
What’s a quote you live by!
I’ve always been fond of the saying: “The more you know, the less you need to say”. I’ll let that sink in!